Way back when, I wrote a post about my skincare routine and mentioned the discountinued Acne Spot Treatment from Avène’s that I’ve been desperately looking to replace. I’ve been pretty diligent about taking care of my skin lately (to come: a new cleanser from the just-launched brand M-61 which kept my skin clear while it lasted). But one little slip and I found a couple zits popping up — in this case, it was using a makeup-remover wipe that didn’t work with my skin. I was rummaging through some products that I haven’t even gotten around to trying out and came across Kate Somerville’s 24 Hour Pimple Punisher (damn I love that name).

The spot-treamtent is a double-ended tube — one side for its AM Blemish Clearing Gel with peptides and tea tree extract, and the other for its PM Acne Treatment Clay with salicylic acid and green kaolin clay to absorb excess oils. The formula’s pretty hydrating so it didn’t irritate my skin and the AM gel easily wears under makeup without bunching.

Happy to report, a day and a half later, my zit was gone and I found my new go-to spot treatment. The Pimple Punisher will cost you $28 which is a bit on the pricier side but if you’re only going to use it occasionally for those random zits, it’ll last a while. Also, I thought the sleek packaging would make it ideal for travel, but I’ve been reading online that it actually doesn’t stay together very well (apparently the tube breaks off its cap easily?). I haven’t experienced this since I just use it from home but maybe something to consider if you’re on the go often. What do you use for emergency spot treating?

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By Melissa Stephans

I’m an extremely loyal person, but not when it comes to beauty products. Much like a 20-something male, my attention begins to wander after a short time spent with my conquests. Sure, I appreciate quality. As my products near the end, though, I have the urge to wander and discover newer–maybe better–products. Hmm…is there such a thing as Beauty Addicts Anonymous?

Since my 34th birthday is approaching like a speeding bullet, I’ve been on a mission to overhaul my skincare arsenal. Recently I became obsessed with La Roche Posay’s Effaclar Pore Refining Anti-Wrinkle Serum. It refines the skin and gives it a blemish-free, smooth texture. Despite its strong scent of alcohol, the easily absorbed serum is not at all drying.

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You know when you get trapped into an infinite abyss of YouTube videos? Well that kinda happened to me, and I as I was surfing some blogs, I came across this video of a YouTube makeup artist, Cassy. She suffers from severe acne, but bares a makeup-less face to show how she achieves a flawless finish with foundation. I just thought it was brave of her to do a tutorial baring her biggest insecurity so she can help others in the same situation:

PRODUCTS USED:
Smashbox Anti-shine
Hourglass Veil Primer125 and 120MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NC30
MAC NC35
Smashbox Halo in Light
Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder
MAC Fix+ Spray

I also thought it was interesting how her voice kind of perks up as she starts getting closer to the finished look. But man, gorgeous girl with or without makeup. What do you think?

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Bare Escentuals is already pretty much on top of their game when it comes to makeup. Now, their most recent endeavor is Bare Minerals Skincare, a brand new line of cleansers, moisturizers, and skin-beautifying treatments.

It’s claim to fame is their proprietary “miracle” ingredient, RareMinerals ActiveSoil Complex which is said to give you brighter, younger-looking, GLOWING skin and infused in all their products. Check some of them out below:

*PURELY NOURISHING MOISTURIZER (combination skin) – Hydrates and firms, improving elasticity, radiance and skin texture. It includes a powerful blend of antioxidants that help protect against environmental stressors.

*FIRMING EYE TREATMENT – Firms, reduces puffiness.

*PURE TRANSFORMATION NIGHT TREATMENT – They call this the “hero product” in the lineup. Clinically proven to visibly reduce pores, increase firmness and improve elasticity, while revealing remarkably healthier, younger-looking skin. Available In Four Tones: clear, light, medium and tan – a treatment product that instantly diffuses imperfections, while you sleep.

*BLEMISH THERAPY – A powder treatment helps to heal, conceal and prevent future breakouts. Contains acne-healing benefits of natural sulfur; non-irritating, all-in-one treatment also helps to minimize pores, neutralize redness and diffuse imperfections.

Anyone intrigued at all? Let me know if you’d be interested in checking them out for yourself, and check again here tomorrow

x
Shy

This is kinda interesting. Skincare brand, BORBA, known for making topical products coupled with (nutraceutical) drinks and treats to treat skin woes, has partnered up with DeLuscious Cookies + Milk bakery in LA to make cookies with anti-aging properties that also contain ingredients to even out your skin complexion. The two flavors, oatmeal raisin and chocolate white chocolate toffee (above), contain 9 vitamins and minerals, including flaxseed, omega-3, and queen of antioxidants, açaí.

This is not the first of its kind. There’s also Frutels, for example, who claim their dark chocolate will rid you of acne (and offers you a full refund if you’re not happy within 60 days). I tried a sample of the cookies, and they taste just like any other cookies (prefer the oatmeal raisin one! yum…the toffee was too sweet for me), but I’m afraid indulging for the skincare benefits will lead me to another issue — a weight one. I’d say unless you’re willing to drop a little more coin, try a vitamin-infused drink instead, like Borba’s yummy drinks, that come in “Anti-Aging,” “Clarifying,” “Replenishing,” and “Firming” formulations.

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Yaay to guest bloggers! Here’s my friend Jess’ review on her favorite new acne-fighting product:

“I have tried everything to not only treat my acne, but to also get the glowing hue I see on on TV and my small-pored friends, but nothing worked for me — not Proactiv, Clean & Clear Acne System, Neutrogena Complete Acne therapy system, Avon Clearskin, nor all the in between over-the-counter scrubs and washes. I finally went to Philosophy. I have been using their Hope in a Jar moisturizer ($28, a must have) and have been in love with it since, so I thought I’d try their acne treatment system, Makeup Optional.

“Even though they also have another acne treatment system called On a Clear Day ($65), I decided to try Makeup Optional because I’m in my mid 20s and now into combination treatments that fight bad skin and signs of aging, like this one! It has three versions for different skin types, but for acne prone, you want to get the one for “Congested Skin”. I love that it was gentle and has a tightening effect, minimizing the appearance of large pores. The three-week supply of the Microdelivery Peel in the kit feels like you’re getting a facial at home and smells so good you want to eat it..but uh..don’t.

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